Two critical problems with the current unmanned aerial vehicle situation has prompted the Air Force to take the “bold step” of suggesting it become the executive agent for medium and high altitude UAVs, writes Robert Dudney, Editor in Chief of Air Force Magazine. The two problems are (1) tethering UAVs to individual units “limits distribution of ISR data and restricts highest and best use of each UAV;” and (2) “the decentralized, unsynchronized approach to UAVs is inefficient, in both time and money.” Unfortunately, the other services—particularly vocal is the Army—do not agree with a centralized approach. Dudney argues: “In truth, no other service can match USAF’s credentials. It suffered a slow start in UAVs, but now has established itself as a leader.”
F-15E Aviator Missing in Iran Rescued by US Forces
April 5, 2026
The second crew member of the F-15E shot down April 3 has been rescued from Iran. U.S. forces recovered the aviator alive and all American forces involved in the operation are believed to be safe, U.S. officials told Air & Space Forces Magazine.